Surgical Technologist Salary in Dothan, AL: $49,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Dothan, AL earns a median $49,643/year (≈ $23.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Dothan's price level (16% below national, BEA RPP 83.8), that paycheck buys what $59,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $49,643, which reflects a notable gap when compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this role in the region spans from $33,465 at the lower end to $64,747 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a valuable snapshot of compensation in the field. The surgical tech salary in Dothan is influenced by the dominant healthcare structures in the area, which include hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. Although the pay may be lower than the national average, the demand for surgical technologists remains steady, ensuring various opportunities within local healthcare facilities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,465 | $16.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,966 | $18.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,643 | $23.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,596 | $25.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,747 | $31.12 |
Median Salary Position
27.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dothan
In Dothan, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,282 (2026 est.). At $49,643, the local median is 27.15% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Dothan: You'd be above the median
How Dothan Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Dothan median: $49,643/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dothan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,820 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -27.15% less |
Surgical Technologists in Dothan, AL earn a median of $49,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.15% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Alabama state average of $51,820.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dothan has a cost of living 16.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dothan, AL has a cost-of-living index of 83.833 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $49,643 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,217 in an average-cost city — an effective 19.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,188
2025 BLS Actual
$47,100
2026 Current Est.
$49,643
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,324 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dothan metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $35,188 (2019) to $47,100 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,324 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,136 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,465 – $38,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,966 – $49,643 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,643 – $53,596 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,596 – $64,747 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Dothan
The local job market in Dothan currently employs 140 surgical technologists, indicating a stable employment outlook for this profession. With a cost of living index of 83.833, surgical techs in Dothan enjoy better purchasing power than their peers in more expensive regions. Hospitals and specialty centers that focus on higher-stakes procedures, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, often offer more competitive pay. Factors contributing to salary disparities include specialty certifications, such as robotic surgery qualifications, and the additional responsibilities of surgical first assistants. Maximizing earnings in this market may involve pursuing further training and certification, seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties, and considering roles with travel surgical tech agencies that often provide higher hourly rates compared to permanent positions. This strategic focus can significantly enhance overall surgical technologist pay in Dothan, AL.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,100 for surgical technologistsin the Dothan metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov